56 LIVERPOOL CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
fo prevent the escape of gas. We could not detect the least appearance of gas escaping 
from the chimneys. 
But we must now pass on to say a few words respecting the soap works of Messrs. 
Gossage and Sons. The members of the party were conducted over the works by Mr. 
Gossage, the senior partner, and his sons, Mr. F. H. Gossage, and Mr. Alfred Gossage. 
We were first shown the boiling-house, in which are ten large soap-coppers arranged 
in one line, each of them provided with pipes and troughs, by which melted tallow 
and oils are supplied to the coppers by engine power; and other pipes through which 
steam is introduced to effect the boiling of the soap: also other appliances, by which 
the spent lyes are run off from the soap-coppers without the usual labour of pump¬ 
ing. We will not stop to describe the process of soap-making, as our space is almost 
occupied ; but we must not omit to mention a very ingenious contrivance, invented by 
Mr. Gossage, for transferring finished soap from the coppers to the frames or moulds, 
for cooling, by means of compressed air. This operation, by the ordinary method, 
would occupy probably twenty workmen for three or four hours. The apparatus by 
Messrs. Gossage and Sons effects it in a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes, the at¬ 
tendance of three men only being required. One part of Messrs. Gossage’s works which 
afforded much gratification to the visitors, was that in which the silicate of soda, or 
soluble glass, is prepared. At the time of the Russian war, tallow and other fats and 
oils became very greatly enhanced in price, and it occurred to Mr. Gossage that a sub¬ 
stitute might be found to answer the purpose of tallow, etc., in soap-making, so as to 
render this country less dependent upon Russia for that article. In his search for this 
substitute, Mr. Gossage experimented with silicate of soda, which he found to answer 
the desired purpose, and he is now producing a soap into which this silicate is intro¬ 
duced, which is not only quite equal to the tallow-soap, but is very much cheaper. 
Gossage’s soap is, no doubt, familiar to many of our readers, who will remember the 
Soap Obelisk at the International Exhibition. Smaller obelisks may also be seen in 
many of our shop windows. Many other interesting particulars might be mentioned in 
connection with these works, but we must reluctantly pass them over. Mr. Gossage, 
the senior partner, is a gentleman well known in the chemical world for his nume¬ 
rous inventions connected with the alkali trade; and not only has he effected nume¬ 
rous improvements in the alkali manufacture, but, as we had an opportunity of wit¬ 
nessing when we visited the works, his improvements in the soap-making process have 
effected wonders. 
The party left Runcorn Gap at 5.50, and on arriving at Garston, inspected the Garston 
Salt Refinery, under the guidance of Mr. Holland and Mr. Burgess. After remaining here 
about three-quarters of an hour, and being much pleased with their visit, they adjourned 
to the Garston Hotel, where an excellent dinner was provided by the hostess, Mrs. Birkett. 
About forty sat down. The President, John Shaw, Esq., occupied the chair, and Mr. 
Abraham (in the absence of the Vice-President) the vice-chair. 
After the dishes had been removed, the President proposed “ The Health of Her 
Majesty the Queen,” which was drunk in a truly patriotic manner. The President next 
proposed “ The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family.” This 
toast was also, of course, loyally received. 
The Vice-Chairman then gave the toast of “ The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” which 
was responded to by Captains Knight and Walker, both members of the latter force, 
“ The Health of Her Majesty’s Ministers ” was then proposed by the Vice-Chairman, and 
duly honoured. 
Mr. C. T. Gilson proposed the next toast, “The Town and Trade of Liverpool,” which 
was responded to by Mr. Robinson. 
The toast of the evening, “ The Chemists’ Association,” was proposed by Dr. Nevins, 
in extempore rhyme, and the manner in which several members of the company were 
alluded caused considerable amusement. Mr. Abraham and Dr. Edwards responded. 
Mr. S. Banner proposed the next toast, “ The Honorary Members of the Association,” 
coupled with the name of Dr. Nevins. 
Dr. Nevins having responded, called upon Dr. Collingwood, another of the honorary 
members present, to acknowledge the compliment, which he did. 
Mr. Norman Tate then proposed “ The Kindred Societies,” coupled with the name of 
Dr. Collingwood, who is officially connected with several of the Liverpool Scientific So¬ 
cieties. Dr. Collingwood having responded,— 
